Web Applications Development Specialization FAQs

What certificate programs are offered in web applications development that compliments the associate degree programs?

There are two career studies certificates related to the web development area. Information about each certificate is available by clicking on the link below.

What if I want to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree?

Students interested in attending another institution in Virginia or out of state, need to work closely with LFCC and the institution of choice to determine which LFCC credits may be transferable. More information about the Transfer process and participating instituations is available in the LFCC Transfer Guide.

Does LFCC offer internships for Web Applications Development students or assist with job placement after completion of a degree?

LFCC faculty and staff in the Career Services Office assist students interested in acquiring academic internships, which are designed to carry academic credit toward a certificate or degree program. Such internships provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain on-the-job experience in their particular area of study. Depending on the business, student internships may be paid or unpaid.

The Career Services Office also offers students free job search counseling and access to the College Central job posting Web site (http://www.collegecentral.com/lfcc). It is simple to upload your resume, enhancing your job search opportunities in the region. This Web site also offers students the ability to review and apply for jobs posted by many local businesses actively seeking employees.

For more information about internships, job search counseling or College Central, please contact Mark Mitchell at mmitchell@lfcc.edu or (540) 868-7236 or Doug Cumbia at dcumbia@lfcc.edu or (540) 868-7235.

What is the future outlook for web applications development jobs?

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook lists web developers as a subcategory of computer scientists and database administrators. Employment of web developers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Job growth will continue to increase as organizations adopt increasingly sophisticated technology and integrate it into their systems. The information technology sector is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy. For more information about job outlook, visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm.

What if I want to build Computer Games?

The faculty at LFCC recognize that the new generation of college students have grown up playing computer-based games. It may appear to this new generation of college students that it is easy to create computer games. However, well-designed computer-based games take a lot of time and skill to create. Students must have knowledge and skills in software design, computer programming, computer graphics, storytelling, advanced mathematics, college-level writing, as well as a great deal of imagination. Some very sophisticated software and digital graphics design and development is required.

That said, the IT faculty at LFCC are presently examining the skills, technologies, and courses involved in the area of computer-based gaming and simulation in cooperation with other colleges in the Virginia Community College System. We hope to incorporate computer gaming and simulation into our graphics, software design, and programming courses at LFCC in the near future. Additionally, we hope to add an Introduction to Game Design and Development course to our curriculum in the near future.

What kind of salary could I expect to earn as a web applications developer?

Salaries vary widely depending on several factors such as location, experience and the overall job market. However, as an example, the salary for a typical starting web applications developer in Richmond, Va., is $59,626 and in Washington, D.C. is $63,845. Additional statistics from the American Institute of Graphic Arts follow:

Web designer – $48,000 to $65,000
Web developer – $45,000 to $75,000
Web producer – $49,000 to $67,000
Content developer – $64,000 to $85,000

For more information about job salaries, visit http://www.salary.com.

What does a web applications developer do?

There are a wide variety of jobs for web application developers, ranging from Web page design and development to Web site testing, installation and maintenance. According to Info~Tech, “the web developer’s role is to build the operations end of the organization’s Web sites and keep them running smoothly. This includes designing, building and implementing new Web pages and sites; integrating sites with back end applications; migrating legacy applications to the Web; and performing day-to-day administration of the organization’s web portfolio. Use of a variety of web development languages is required.”

Additional insight into current job openings can be found by reading the job descriptions and responsibilities of various positions found at http://www.dice.com.

What are some of the professional associations for web applications developers?

There are several associations that relate to Web Applications Development. Following are a list of a number of associations: